Faith Karanja

A lobby Group dubbed Sheria Mtaani has come to defense of the office of Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Renson Igonga following claims by an Activist that he is responsible for increased withdrawal of cases in court.

Through its Founder Shadrack Wambui,says DPP when excicising Authority on decision to charge is based on his mandate under the law.

Lawyer Danstan Omari says he has been instructed by Sheria Mtaani to Sue the Weakest link to the fight against corruption within the country which is the office EACC..

“Before August 27,2010 the office of the DPP was a branch under Attorney General but Kenyans protested and said a prosecutor cannot be an investigator,”added Omari.

Kenyans created office of DPP under Article 157 which gives the person sitting there 8 years and no one can direct the one sitting there on charging or prosecuting the case.

He Says that very many files forwarded to DPP have been rejected as they do not meet threshold as they come from DCI.

This narrative that the DPP has been withdrawing matters right and left are not true.

“Some matters court has rejected the application for withdrawal,and media here you will look at your records,DPP has moved to appeal court and lost,”added Omari.

Lawyer Danstan Omari says that the final decision on whose matter will be withdrawn does not rest with DPP but court.

On the matter on who to be changed lies with Ethics and Anti_Corruption Commission,and will remain as an investigator.

Attack on DPP is baseless,we know some petitions have been filed at Public Service Commission on frimsy ground,around 8 of them against DPP have been withdrawn as they were baseless.

Omari says that DPP’s mandate is to prosecute and EACC can never and shall never be allowed to prosecute..

Best practices world wide for police is to investigate just like DCI.

Omari says the mandate of DPP is to charge,DPP should be given enough time to respond to those claims..

“Weakest link is at the office of EACC not DPP,the mandate of DPP is to decide to Charge and prosecute,”added Omari.

He adds that only DPP renson Igonga has mandate to charge but other prosecutors acts under instructions of DPP.

Nominated Senator Gloria Magoma Orwoba has been reinstated to her position by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), following a ruling that declared her nomination by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) valid. The decision, delivered in Nairobi on Thursday, ends weeks of uncertainty over her status and restores her position in the Senate.

The case was brought before the tribunal after the UDA Electoral Nomination and Dispute Resolution Committee raised objections to Orwoba’s nomination, citing internal disputes within the party. However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal concluded that the process leading to her nomination was lawful and that there were no sufficient grounds to overturn it.

Orwoba was represented by lawyer Moses Mabeya, who strongly argued that her client had been unfairly targeted through internal party disputes. “This is not just a victory for Senator Orwoba,” Mr. Mabeya told reporters outside the tribunal, “it is a victory for the principles of fairness and justice in political representation. The tribunal has affirmed that political parties must respect due process and the law.”

During the hearing, the complainant had insisted that procedural errors were made during the UDA nomination process, but Mabeya maintained that the nomination had met all legal and constitutional requirements. In its judgment, the tribunal agreed with Mabeya’s submissions, noting that no evidence had been produced to demonstrate that the nomination was fundamentally flawed.

In her reaction, Senator Orwoba welcomed the ruling and expressed gratitude to her legal team and supporters. “I am humbled by today’s decision,” she said. “This ruling not only restores my position but also upholds the confidence of many women and young people who look to institutions for justice. I will continue serving diligently in my role as a nominated Senator under the UDA Party.”

The tribunal’s ruling carries significance beyond Orwoba’s case, as it underscores the role of independent judicial bodies in resolving internal party disputes. Observers noted that the decision sends a clear message to political parties about the importance of following transparent procedures in their internal processes.

Another key point in the tribunal’s judgment was the emphasis placed on the right of nominees to enjoy the benefits of their positions once lawfully conferred. The judges stated that disputes based on party disagreements, without demonstrable breaches of law, could not stand as grounds for disqualification.

A supporter who attended the session expressed relief at the outcome, saying the ruling restored faith in the dispute resolution process. “For us, this shows that even when political battles get messy, there is still a place where justice can be found. It’s a good day for democracy,” the supporter said.

Lawyer Mabeya further observed that the ruling serves as an important precedent for future disputes. “The tribunal has clarified that candidates cannot be unfairly stripped of their positions through internal disagreements. Due process must always come first,” he added.

The judgment, read in open court, was delivered by a panel of three tribunal members: Desma Nungo (Chairperson), Dr. Adelaide Mbithi, and Mr. Hassan Abdi. In their joint statement, they concluded: “Having carefully considered the arguments and evidence presented, we find that the nomination of Hon. Gloria Magoma Orwoba by the UDA Party was validly conducted. The complaint does not establish sufficient legal grounds to nullify her nomination. Accordingly, she is hereby reinstated as a nominated Senator.”

The decision marks the end of this particular legal contest, though it remains to be seen whether any further appeals will follow. For now, Senator Orwoba resumes her position in the Senate, her nomination having been legally affirmed.

A Court on August 15,2025 ordered Police to Supervise Auction in Honey Khatwani Rent Dispute
The quiet corridors of Milimani Commercial Courts turned tense yesterday as the long-simmering dispute between businesswoman Honey Khatwani, Galaxy Middle East & Africa Limited trading as Smart Pro (Your Trust Our Mission), and their landlords took a dramatic turn.

Sitting before Honourable Lucy Njora, Senior Principal Magistrate, the case, filed under MCCCMISC/E2036/2025, pitted auctioneer Zacharia Baraza Siuma Auctioneers and Oki General Trading Ltd against Galaxy Middle East & Africa Ltd and its directors, among them Ms. Khatwani. The landlords had moved the court seeking to recover rent arrears, arguing that months of unpaid obligations had crippled their operations and forced them into distress.

The magistrate issued orders directing the OCS Parklands Police Station and OCS Ruaraka Police Station to supervise the auctioneer in carrying out the distress for rent. “This court issues an order that the police officers in charge of Parklands and Ruaraka police stations do supervise execution of the distress,” read part of the ruling delivered on 15th August 2025.
Yet the judge was quick to clarify the scope of the directive. “This order should not be interpreted or construed in any manner whatsoever to mean an eviction or demolition order,” Hon. Njora cautioned, underscoring that the distress was limited strictly to the collection of arrears.

Lawyers for the applicants hailed the ruling as a victory for landlords struggling against mounting defaults. “Our clients have endured months of losses while tenants continue to occupy prime space without honoring their obligations,” said one counsel after the session. “The court’s order is a firm reminder that property rights must be respected.”

But on the other side of the courtroom, supporters of Honey Khatwani described the case as another instance of landlords weaponizing distress procedures against struggling businesses. “This is intimidation, pure and simple,” remarked a friend of the embattled entrepreneur. “Honey has built her name in this city for years, and now she is being cornered in public over a commercial disagreement that could have been resolved without humiliating auctions.”

The penal notice attached to the order added weight to the ruling: any disobedience of the court’s directive will attract penal consequences. In practical terms, that means Khatwani and her company must either clear the rent arrears or face the auctioneer’s hammer, with police standing by to enforce compliance.

The case has already triggered heated debate within Nairobi’s commercial circles. Some see it as a necessary stand against tenants who exploit legal loopholes to dodge payment, while others frame it as a heavy-handed tactic that exposes small and medium enterprises to ruin.

Court insiders whispered that the matter may not end with the distress order. “There will be more applications, more filings,” said one clerk familiar with the case. “This is just the beginning. Honey Khatwani is not the type to fold easily.”
Outside the courthouse, a handful of business owners watched proceedings with concern. One trader compared the climate to a storm. “When landlords and tenants clash like this, it shows how fragile Nairobi’s business environment has become,” he said. “Everyone is struggling, but when it reaches court and police enforcement, reputations are on the line.”

For now, the spotlight remains fixed on Honey Khatwani and Galaxy Middle East & Africa Ltd. As auctioneers prepare their ledgers and the police stand ready to supervise, Nairobi waits to see whether the dispute will end with a quiet settlement, or a very public auction that could redefine the fortunes of one of the city’s most recognizable entrepreneurs.

The High Court in Nairobi has declined to halt ongoing criminal proceedings against businessman Honey Khatwani, who is facing trial over an alleged Sh356 million fraud, ruling that the matter could not be entertained during the court’s vacation.

Justice Margaret Mungai, sitting at the Milimani Law Courts, told defence lawyers on Tuesday that she would not stop thetrial at this stage, insisting that any application for such orders would have to wait until the court session resumes. “This court is currently on recess and cannot issue the orders sought. The application may only be considered if certified as extremely urgent,” the judge said.

Khatwani, who is charged in Criminal Case No. E347 of 2025 at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, had sought to suspend the proceedings temporarily and secure the release of his passport to travel to India for what he described as urgent business engagements. Through his advocates, Wamalwa & Echesa Co., he argued that the refusal to allow him to travel had caused him “imminent and irreparable prejudice,” threatening to sink his international business operations.

“The applicant has fully complied with all bail conditions since his release on June 24, 2025, and is not a flight risk,” his lawyer Kennedy Echesa told the court. He added: “Unless this application is heard urgently and the passport released, Mr. Khatwani will lose significant opportunities, rendering the intended revision nugatory.”

In his supporting affidavit, Khatwani insisted that he is a first-time offender with no prior record and had undertaken under oath to return his passport immediately upon his return from India. He accused the trial court of exercising its discretion “on wrong principles” when it declined to release the document on August 11.

“The ruling was unreasonable, disproportionate, and contrary to the interests of justice,” Khatwani swore in his affidavit. He maintained that the decision infringed on his constitutional right to reasonable bail terms under Article 49(1)(h).

But prosecutors opposed the move, warning that allowing the accused to travel while facing such a serious fraud charge could compromise the trial. Sources close to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions suggested the state was wary of “creating a precedent where economic crime suspects routinely seek to evade trial under the guise of business travel.”

Justice Mungai stopped short of addressing the merits of the application, instead pointing out that the matter had been mentioned before her during recess and could only be properly canvassed once vacation court procedures were complete. The judge directed that the application be mentioned after the vacation date is confirmed.

The dispute stems from accusations that Khatwani orchestrated a complex fraud scheme involving hundreds of millions of shillings. While details of the alleged fraud are still being tested in the Chief Magistrate’s Court, prosecutors say the case involves falsified contracts and siphoning of funds through shell companies.

The ruling has sharpened the stakes for Khatwani, whose legal team now faces an uphill battle to overturn the magistrate’s decision once the High Court fully resumes. Outside the court, a visibly frustrated Khatwani declined to comment, but his lawyer struck a defiant note. “We are confident the law is on our side. The Constitution guarantees reasonable bail terms, and preventing a man from earning a livelihood when he has complied with all conditions is punitive,” Echesa told journalists.

Observers say the case highlights a growing tension in Kenya’s criminal justice system between protecting accused persons’ constitutional rights and ensuring accountability in high-value economic crimes.

“This matter goes beyond one businessman,” noted a Nairobi-based legal analyst. “It is a test of how courts balance the rights of accused persons with the public interest in prosecuting large-scale fraud.”

For now, Khatwani must stay put in Nairobi as the fraud trial proceeds at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, with the High Court set to revisit his application once recess ends.

A Nairobi Court has cancelled a bond of A Cameroonian National charged with Gold fraud because he was allegedly trying to escape from the country.

Fobonou Wassou Joseph De-Dieu Aka Joseph Kabongo Malika has been charged with conspiracy to defraud against the law.

He is said to have committed the offense on diverse dates between May 1,2024 and August 9,2024 at Kileleshwa area. He is said to have conspired to defraud Hayer Amri of USD 26000by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell to her, allegedly 20kg of Gold from Kenya to Dubai, knowing it was untrue

He had previously been release on bail and bond and part of the condition was for him to release his passports to court being a Cameroonian national which expires on March 2025.

The accused person attempted to flee the jurisdiction of the court when he attempted to leave the country through JKIA on 19th August 2025,while enroute to Manilla in Philippines using the newly acquired passport

A red alert had been issued and that is what facilitated his arrest

Prosecution asks the accused persons bond terms be cancelled for the reason that he has failed to abide by the courts guidelines in an attempt to flee the court and the country

He remains a flight risk and having breached previously give bond terms he does not qualify for further bond terms noting that the case is still pending before court number 3.

Claims that he was going for a surgery since he is paralysed that he was to come back in five days time
Claims that he was not aware of the running claims and that he was going for surgery and if he was running away as purported, he could not have passed through Jomo Kenyatta airport

Prosecution otherwise says that if the accused needed to travel outside, he could have applied to court and ignorance of the law is not defence

A Congolese National arrested with fake 3600 USD at Ngara area has been charged at Milimani Law Courts.

Abott Anthony has appeared before magistrate Dolphina Alego and denied the charges.

He was charged that  on August 9,2025 at Travelers Guest house in Ngara estate in Starehe Sub County within Nairobi County,without lawful excuse had in his possession 3600 USD Serial numbers attached, forged currency knowing them to be forged.

The Congolese was charged in the second count with being unlawful present in Kenya against the law.

He was charged that on similar dates and place ,being a Congolese National,He was found unlawfully present in Kenya in Contravention of immigration act, because he had no pass permit to authorize him to be in Kenya

He was released on Sh 1M bond or Cash bail of Sh 500,000.

A blogger was charged on Tuesday with publication of false information contrary to section 23 of the penal code. Appearing before Milimani law Courts Kitovoto Mutinda denied the six charges levelled against him.

According to the charge sheet on 9th August 2024, Kitovoto is said to have intentionally published false information through the write-up account Kinuko 96.5 FM to wit “MP Mulyungi secret millions.” The Kitui tender scandal. Why Kitui MCAs ignoring their own corruption on the Kitui Council WhatsApp group with the intent that the data shall be considered or acted upon as authentic.

On the second count, the court heard that kitovoto published the same information on the Kitui professional forum on WhatsApp group with intent that the data shall be considered or acted upon as authentic.

The court was told that kitovoto continued publishing the same information on different platforms. The information the MP felt is ruining his name.

Kitovoto, through his lawyer, defended himself, pleading to be released on reasonable bond terms since he his a family man and his place of abode is known.

However, the prosecution did not oppose Kitovoto to be realised on bond.

He was released on a bond of sh 500,000 or cashbail of sh 250 000.

The matter will be mentioned on 3rd September for pretrial.

After serous submissions from her lawyer John Swaka to have her released on bail a woman accused of defrauding a businesswoman Sh36 million has been released on a cash bail of Sh3 million. Lilian Wangui Odwoma, alias Lilian Weru, appeared before Magistrate Dolphina Alego where she denied the charges.

The court was told that between May 6 and May 20, 2024, in Westlands, Nairobi, the accused conspired with others not before court to defraud Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai of USD 50,000 and Sh30 million.

She is alleged to have falsely claimed she could help the complainant secure a standby letter of credit from Pacific Concord International FZC in Dubai.

Wangui also faced two additional counts relating to the acquisition and use of proceeds of crime.

Through her lawyer, John Swaka, she pleaded for leniency, citing ill health.

The case will be mentioned on September 16, 2025.